Judge Accused Of Embezzling Funds While Prosecutor

LAPEER (AP) — A judge is accused of embezzling about $4,000 while serving as the Lapeer County prosecutor.

Lapeer County Circuit Judge Byron Konschuh was arraigned Friday on five counts of embezzlement. He's accused of depositing public money into his personal checking account between 2009 and 2013.

Defense attorney Michael Sharkey says the charges are "merely an allegation" and "will be resolved by a trial." The next hearing is scheduled for next Friday.

The case is being handled by the Shiawassee County prosecutor. Deana Finnegan says the money came from programs for bad check recovery and police training.

Finnegan says Konschuh submitted receipts for expenses he deemed legitimate, such as staff meals and office snacks. She contends they're public funds and were misused.

Trial